CLASSIC CLIPS: Crystal Chappell

Crystal Chappell came in at #8 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Chappell including her work on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, ALL MY CHILDREN and GUIDING LIGHT.

1989: Janie runs into Nico who claims to be Sean.
1990: Carly's topless debut.

1990: Early Bo and Carly.
1991: Bo confronts Carly after her wedding to Victor.

1993: Carly buried alive begs Vivian for her life
1993: Carly leaves Salem with Lawrence and Nicky

1997: Maggie (on OLTL) confronts her father about his role in her brother's suicide
2000: Olivia appears as topless Olivia Spencer to Josh

2002: Olivia drunkenly makes a scene at Josh & Reva's wedding
2002: Joan Collins as Alexandra blackmails Olivia into leaving Alan

2009: The Confession at Gus's grave
2009: Olivia & Doris on the road; Olivia screams her love for Natalia at the convent

2009: Hope finds Carly sleeping in her bed
2010: Carly tries not to freak out when Vivian traps her in the elevator

AS THE WORLD TURNS Wins DGA Award

The Directors Guild of America handed our their 62nd Annual awards on Saturday night. And the winner for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Daytime Serials was the directing team from AS THE WORLD TURNS lead by Christopher Goutman.

CHRISTOPHER GOUTMAN - AS THE WORLD TURNS - Episode #13,457 (CBS)

Mr. Goutman's Directorial Team:
Associate Directors: Michael Kerner, Carol Sedwick
Stage Managers: Nancy Barron, Jennifer Blood
Production Associates: Brett Hellman, Alexandra Von Roalsvig (co-creator of GOTHAM), Jared Lynch

This is Mr. Goutman's first DGA Award. It was his fourth DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this same category for AS THE WORLD TURNS "Episode #12971" in 2007 "Episode #12,166" in 2004, and "Episode #10,446" in 1997.

The other daytime directing teams nominated were lead by Casey Childs (AMC), William Ludel (GH), Cynthia J. Popp (B&B), Sally McDonald (Y&R) and Dean Lamont (Y&R).

Lesli Linka Glatter of MAD MEN won for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series Night.

Nelson's Soap Scrapbook #12

Nelson Aspen dug into his scrapbooks for some memorabilia from his early showbiz career in Daytime TV and shares some of his personal photos exclusively with We Love Soaps. All photos are owned by Nelson. For more of his exploits, read "Hollywood Insider Exposed!"

We continue this series with three photos from from life after ANOTHER WORLD.

FLASHBACK: Crystal Chappell 1995

Crystal Chappell's pets prompt coast-to-coast treks

By Nancy M. Reichardt
Tampa Tribune
December 31, 1995

NEW YORK - Soon after Crystal Chappell moved cross country to New York City to take the role of Maggie Carpenter on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, her longtime boyfriend Michael Sabatino made the same trek to assume the role of Dr. Jonathan Kinder on ALL MY CHILDREN. Yet, the couple is still bicoastal.

"At least once a month," Chappell explains, "one of us goes back to visit our animals. We have two cats (Bo and Jess) and two dogs (Ebb and Flow). Ebb is a 130-pound bull mastiff; Flow is a 100-pound Akita. So living in a New York City apartment is not a viable option. If we stay here, we'll get a house in New Jersey or something."

FLASHBACK: Crystal Chappell 1993

Crystal Chappell

By Cheryl Lavin
Chicago Tribune
February 21, 1993

Occupation: Actress. Birthday: Aug. 4, 1965. Birthplace: Silver Spring, Md.

Current home: Los Angeles.

Marital status: Divorced.

Car: A 1992 green Mitsubishi Montero.

Working on: Playing Dr. Carly Manning on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, on NBC-TV.

The last good movie I saw was: Malcolm X.

I watch TV: As little as possible.

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #8 Crystal Chappell

NAME: Crystal Chappell
RANK: 8
SOAP ROLES: Carly Manning, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (1990-1993, 2009-present); Gina Brogno, VENICE (2009-present); Olivia Spencer, GUIDING LIGHT (1999-2009); Maggie Carpenter, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1995-1997); Jane, SANTA BARBARA (1990); Janie, ALL MY CHILDREN (1989)

AWARDS:
2008 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2007 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2006 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
2005 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
2002 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1993 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Hottest Female Star

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Claire Labine: (wrote for Chappell at GL and OLTL) What a peach. What a peach! I think we succeeded in making that character [Olivia] more complex instead of just a bad girl with fangs. I loved her, and I loved the way Crystal played her. What an actress.

The Week in Review: Most Popular Posts

In case you missed them, here are the 15 most popular topics over the past week at We Love Soaps:

1.   50 Greatest Soap Actresses Countdown
2.   Indie Soap Awards: Fan Choice Award
3.   50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #9 Sarah Brown
4.   50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #12 Jane Elliot
5.   50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #15 Elizabeth Hubbard
6.   F.A.Q.: The Top 50 Soap Actresses of All Time
7.   50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #14 Linda Dano
8.   50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #13 Mary Stuart
9.   50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #16 Genie Francis
10. INDIE SOAP BEAT: January 27, 2010
11. 50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #11 Debbi Morgan
12. 50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #10 Helen Gallagher
13. 50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #19 Nancy Lee Grahn
14. Viva La (Indie Soap) Revolution!
15. VIDEO: Crystal Chappell on BONNIE HUNT SHOW

If you want to catch up on the latest episodes of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, you can watch them below.

Today's Soap Star Birthdays

Jessica Walter (Tabitha, 90210; ex-Julie, LOVE OF LIFE) - 69
Réal Andrews (ex-Walker, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Taggert, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Robert, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Danny, SANTA BARBARA) - 47
Timothy Stickney (R.J., ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 45

CLASSIC CLIPS: Sarah Brown

Sarah Brown came in at #9 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Brown including her work on GENERAL HOSPITAL, AS THE WORLD TURNS and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL.

1996: Carly and Tony are stranded at the cabin.
1996: Carly asks if Robin is okay with Jason spending time with her.

1997: Bobbie let loose on Tony and Carly.
1998: Carly panicks when she finally see Michael after he was born.

1998: Jason brings Michael to visit Carly.
1999: Carly and Emily trade barbs then Carly talks with Jason.

1999: Sonny breaks down and tells Carly about Lily's death.
2000: Jason gives Carly marriage advice.

2001: Carly and Sonny's wedding.
2004: Julia fights with Carly in Emma's kitchen.

2008: Sonny pushes Claudia away when she tries to seduce him.
2009: Claudia kidnaps Carly.

2009: Sandy tries to avoid Whip.
2010: Sandy tells Whip about the rape.

Sarah Brown on CASTLE

In case you missed BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL star Sarah Brown's appearance on CASTLE earlier this week. You can watch it below.

Nelson's Soap Scrapbook #11

Nelson Aspen dug into his scrapbooks for some memorabilia from his early showbiz career in Daytime TV and shares some of his personal photos exclusively with We Love Soaps. All photos are owned by Nelson. For more of his exploits, read "Hollywood Insider Exposed!"

We continue this series with two photos from ANOTHER WORLD.

1st Annual Indie Soap Awards: Coming Monday Night

We Love Soaps can now reveal some additional details about the 1st Annual Indie Soap Awards, which will be airing at WeLoveSoaps.net and many other websites on Monday night at 9 p.m. ET. Co-hosted by Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs, the show will feature an original song from comedian/musician Joanna Parson titled "It Just Takes Love."

Confirmed presenters include Parson, Rachael Hip-Flores, Kim Turrisi, Julie Ann Emery, Joshua Holland, Ryan Clardy, Greg Turner, Marla Malcom, Steve Barnes, Kathryn Neville Browne, Delaina Dixon, Annalisa Derr, Kate Forsatz and more.

Bringing the indie soap and web series communities together for the Indie Soap Awards has lead to a fun and creative show. The Awards honor the best and brightest in independent web and television production.

BUPPIES leads all shows with 13 nominations, followed by COMPULSIONS with 11 and ANYONE BUT ME with 10.

The nominees for Best Indie Soap are ANYONE BUT ME, BUPPIES, CHICK, COMPULSIONS, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM, HIGH RISE and LUMINA.

For a full list of nominees, visit indiesoapawards.com.
For Damon's review of the nominees for Best Indie Soap, press here.

Soap Opera TV Ratings For Jan. 18-24, 2010

Compiled from a list of several sources, here are the Nielsen ratings for the week of January 18-24, 2010 for all the daytime and primetime television soap operas.

GREY'S ANATOMY (12.6 million, 8.3/13)
PRIVATE PRACTICE (9.7 million, 6.6/11)
THE GOOD WIFE (9.6 million, 6.4/11) - repeat
THE DEEP END (7.1 million, 4.7/7)
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (5.15 million, 3.7/11) - daytime airing only
UGLY BETTY (4.6 million, 3.2/6)
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (4.2 million, 2.8/4) - Sunday 10 p.m. repeat
HEROES (3.9 million, 2.4/4)
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (3.7 million, 2.3/4)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (3.31 million, 2.4/7)
DAYS OF OUR LIVES (3.19 million, 2.3/7) - daytime airing only
ALL MY CHILDREN (2.81 million, 2.1/6) - daytime airing only
SUPERNATURAL (2.8 million, 1.7/3)
LIFE UNEXPECTED (2.7 million, 1.7/3)
GENERAL HOSPITAL (2.6 million, 1.9/5) - daytime airing only
AS THE WORLD TURNS (2.52 million, 1.9/6)
ONE LIFE TO LIVE (2.47 million, 1.8/6) - daytime airing only
ONE TREE HILL (2.2 million, 1.4/2)
THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER (2.0 million, 2.1)
MAKE IT OR BREAK IT (1.9 million/2.0)
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (1.7 million, 1.2/2) - repeat regular timeslot
LIFE UNEXPECTED (1.7 million, 1.1/2) - Wednesday 8 p.m. repeat
90210 (0.84 million, 0.6/1) - repeat regular timeslot
GOSSIP GIRL (0.81 million, 0.6/1) - Wednesday 9 p.m. repeat
MELROSE PLACE (0.65 million, 0.5/1) - repeat regular timeslot

EDITOR'S NOTES: LIFE UNEXPECTED debuted to better ratings that GOSSIP GIRL has been getting in the same timeslot for The CW.

ALL MY CHILDREN remained ABC Daytime's most viewed soap opera although the show is in last place among the ABC soaps in most of the key demos.

NEWS: Agnes Nixon, Maurice Benard, Zamprogna, Franco

INTERVIEW: Agnes Nixon on AMC, OLTL, ATWT, GL and more
"They’ve moved ONE LIFE into a studio and that’s much bigger for them than the one they had. They are really some great people there. …As long as people work hard and don’t take it for granted… If they keep telling a good story, I think they’ll be alright.

"I didn’t have time to watch GUIDING LIGHT. I knew some of the people there, who were very nice. I just thought it wasn’t necessary. If someone had a little more intelligence or understanding of the craft and the medium, it could have been saved."

INTERVIEW: GH's Maurice Benard (Sonny)
"Sonny shooting his own son is probably the worst thing that could happen to him. It should remind him of how violent his life is. I truly believe Sonny’s done this time. He wants his son to be safe and he sees no other way out. And Sonny wants Dante to feel like he’s the one responsible for sending him to prison. He doesn’t think he can get away with it this time—at least that’s the way I’m playing it in the scenes we’re shooting now."

INTERVIEW: GH's Dominic Zamprogna (Dante)
"Over the course of seven months, it’s been my character working sort of underneath this guy. Maurice is such a supportive, amazing person who truly wants what is best for the show. So when you are working with him that is what you get, someone who wants to do well and wants you to do well, and sparks will fly."

James Franco's Guest Role On GENERAL HOSPITAL Is 'An Ongoing Thing'
"There will be one more very special episode that we will film in May, in New York," he said. What about after that? Any chance we'll see Franco doing more daytime TV? "Other soaps have not called," he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Snoop Dogg wants a CORRIE cameo
The hip-hop superstar is barred from travelling to Britain after he was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport in 2006 following a fracas, and he's previously urged stars including David Beckham and Sir Paul MCCartney to help get the ban overturned. But bizarrely, one of the main reasons Snoop wants back into the country is to catch up with CORONATION STREET - a soap set in Manchester, England - and has even offered to make a special guest appearance on the show's famed cobbled streets.

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES snags John Barrowman
A HOUSEWIVES insider confirms that TORCHWOOD's John Barrowman is joining the ABC soap later this season for a minimum of five episodes. The actor will play the Big Bad at the center of the Angie (Drea de Matteo) mystery. Barrowman’s arc will kick off in early April and span the final five episodes of the season.

FLASHBACK: Sarah Brown 2001

'GH' Brown-out has fans taking sides

By Michael Starr
New York Post
March 21, 2001

GENERAL HOSPITAL fans are e-mailing fast and furiously over several Post articles written by yours truly about Sarah Brown's departure from the show and comments made by executive producer Jill Farren Phelps.

Brown (Carly Benson) is leaving to pursue a prime-time acting career and because she wants to (eventually) direct. Both she and Phelps deny the pair have clashed loudly on the "GH" set - hastening Brown's departure.

FLASHBACK: Sarah Brown 1999

NOW PLAYING

By Michael Ausiello
ABC Soaps in Depth
October 5, 1999

The reviews are in, and they're unanimous - Sarah Brown is the best thing to happen to soaps since the invention of television.

Those still hanging onto the age-old belief that all men are created equal probably haven't tuned into GENERAL HOSPITAL lately. If they had, about three times a week, they would have seen living proof that when God created man, he must have been playing favorites. How else to explain the natural phenomenon that is Sarah Brown.

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #9 Sarah Brown

NAME: Sarah Brown
RANK: 9
SOAP ROLES: Sandy Sommers, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (2009-present); Claudia Zacchara, GENERAL HOSPITAL (2008-2009); Julisa Larrabee, AS THE WORLD TURNS (2004-2005); Carly Benson Corinthos, GENERAL HOSPITAL (1996-2001)

AWARDS:
2001 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Favorite Couple
2000 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
2000 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Favorite Actress
1999 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series
1998 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series
1998 Soap Opera Digest Award win for Outstanding Younger Leading Actress
1997 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Jonathan Reiner: Brown burst onto the scene in blaze of raw, intense energy. Truly, one of the great finds of the '90s.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Dorothy Malone (ex-Constance, PEYTON PLACE) - 85
Bernard Lloyd (Joe, CASUALTY) - 76
Tammy Grimes (ex-Mrs. Haversham, LOVING) - 76
Daphne Ashbrook (ex-Kathryn, FALCON CREST) - 47
Zoe Dawson (ex-Louise, DOCTORS) - 31

Ronn Moss's Salsa Performance Keeps Him In Competition

The third episode of Italy's DANCING WITH THE STARS aired live on Saturday, January 23, 2010.

On the third evening of competition, January 23, the show started with a surprise competition: two contestants (one of which was Moss) were asked to perform their last dance again, this time as a solo performance.

Moss performed his Paso Doble dance, without his partner, and scored 40 points, which ranked higher than the other competitor.

CLASSIC CLIPS: Helen Gallagher

Helen Gallagher came in at #10 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Gallagher including her work on RYAN'S HOPE and ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

1975: The introduction of Maeve Ryan.
1976: Maeve tries to smooth things over between Johnny and Mary.

1978: Johnny tells Maeve that Edmund is Frank's son.
1978: Maeve and Siobhan (Sarah Felder) are at odds over Pat and Nancy's relationship.

1979: Maeve rejoices over her family's farm being saved.
1983: Maeve is upset by Charlotte.

1986: Maeve assures Lizzie she will be part of the family.
1987: Concetta makes peace with Maeve.

1987: Maeve sings "Danny Boy" on St. Patrick's Day.
1989: The final scene of RYAN'S HOPE with Maeve singing "Danny Boy."

1997: Viki's first session with Dr. Maude.
1997: Mary is being "motherly."

Nelson's Soap Scrapbook #10

Nelson Aspen dug into his scrapbooks for some memorabilia from his early showbiz career in Daytime TV and shares some of his personal photos exclusively with We Love Soaps. All photos are owned by Nelson. For more of his exploits, read "Hollywood Insider Exposed!"

We continue this series with two photos from ANOTHER WORLD.

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite this week? Vote in this new weekly We Love Soaps poll and check back on Monday morning for the results. Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from Jan. 23-29, 2010 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly.

Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com

WLS Interview Archive: ANYONE BUT ME's Leading Ladies

I had the recent honor to interview two of the brightest and most talented up-and-coming performers on soaps today, the Indie Soap Award nominated Rachael Hip-Flores (Vivian) and Nicole Pacent (Aster).  If you haven't had a chance to read our talks, please check out the interviews below to learn about the success of ANYONE BUT ME and the significance of continuing stories on the web. 

Rachael Hip-Flores:
Part One - Rachael discusses how ANYONE BUT ME came into her life, and the responsibility of portraying a lesbian teenager. 
Part Two - She shares more about the importance of diversity, her own interests, as well as reactions to the show.

Nicole Pacent  -   
Part One - The Indie Soap Award nominated actress talks about her character’s struggles, as well as the benefits of acting on a web series.   
Part Two - The focus shifts to Pacent's own life, and her feelings about labeling sexual identity.

You can watch both of these interviews in their entirety at  WLS TV #11.

For ongoing news items and features covering ANYONE BUT ME, press Here.

VOTE: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Which daytime soap was your favorite this week? Vote in the weekly We Love Soaps poll and check back on Monday morning for the results.

Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com

FLASHBACK: Helen Gallagher 1977

Helen Gallagher: The Provocative Woman

By Geri Jefferson
Soap Opera Digest
October 1977

Helen Gallagher (Maeve Ryan on RYAN'S HOPE) is an intricate and elegant study of a woman in sublime and incontrovertible opposition to....whom? Herself? The Universe?

She is a rare and gifted talent who, like the flowers and the mountains, is a steadfast gift, and a gift that, because of its steadfastness and consistency, can often be taken for granted.

Let me take you to the beginnings of this great lady, to the beginnings of Ms. Helen Gallagher....

"I always wanted to be a dancer, I mean, I can't remember a time when I didn't. My family was very musical. My father sang and my mother sang."

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #10 Helen Gallagher

NAME: Helen Gallagher
RANK: 10
SOAP ROLES: Maude Boylan, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (1997-1998); Nurse Harris, ALL MY CHILDREN (1994); Hannah Tuttle, ANOTHER WORLD (1989); Maeve Ryan, RYAN'S HOPE (1975-1989)

AWARDS:
1988 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role on a Daytime Serial
1981 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1979 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1977 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1976 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1971 Tony Award win for Best Actress (Musical)
1966 Tony Award nomination for 1966 Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical)
1952 Tony Award win for Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical)

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Lynn Liccardo: She inhabited the character of Maeve Ryan so completely that viewers forgot that were watching a Tony-winning musical actress – even when she was sitting at the bar singing "Danny Boy."

PREVIEW: GHOST WHISPERER (Victoria Rowell)

On tonight's episode of GHOST WHISPERER, "Living Nightmare," airing at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, Victoria Rowell (ex-Drucilla, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) guest stars.

According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, data shows that you will die faster from not sleeping than from not eating. Yet, Insomnia is just one of many problems plaguing a new patient in GHOST WHISPERER's Grandview Hospital this week. When Robert (Josh Wharton) meets Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt) at the hospital it’s unclear if he’s the victim of a knife incident or the perpetrator. A little shuteye might help him clear his head, if the ghost that’s haunting him would only let him rest.

Victoria Rowell's character, Adrienne, plays a critical role in helping Melinda find out why a hospital patient is being plagued by ghosts.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

John Forsythe (ex-Blake, DYNASTY/THE COLBYS) - 92
Katharine Ross (ex-Frankie, THE COLBYS) - 70
Tom Selleck (ex-Jed, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 65
Marc Singer (ex-Chet, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Matt, DALLAS; ex-Wesley, PAPER DOLLS) - 62
Matthew Ashford (ex-Jack, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Tom, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Cagney, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Stephen, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 50
Heidi Mueller (ex-Kay, PASSIONS) - 28
Drew Tyler Bell (Thomas, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) - 24

CLASSIC CLIPS: Debbi Morgan

Debbi Morgan came in at #11 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Morgan including her work on ALL MY CHILDREN, GENERATIONS, LOVING, PORT CHARLES and THE CITY.

1983: Angie gets a call from Jenny and has to rush off to school.
1983: Angie and Jesse get married.

1987: Angie wants to know why Jesse killed her father.
1988: Jesse dies with Angie by his bedside.

1989: ABC promo congratulating Hubbard on her Emmy win.
1990: Eric plays the piano for Chantal.

1995: Angie and Jacob steam it up in the shower and the bedroom.
1995: Angie and Jacob leave Corinth.

1997: Jacob is worried about Angie spending too much time at the hospital.
1997: A portion of Morgan's brilliant performance in Eve's Bayou.

1997: Ellen and Matt share a kiss.
1998: Ellen and Matt make love.

2008: Angie and Jesse reunite at the train tracks.
2008: Angie and Jesse get married again.

NEWS: Weil, Carlson, CA Tax Credits, Zucker, Seganti

ANYONE BUT ME Anything But Unpopular with 2.2M Views, GILMORE GIRLS Star Joining Cast
The show has racked up a total of 2.2 million views across all of its distribution partners, including over 560,000 views on Blip.tv since December — making it the most popular drama in the company’s history. Liza Weil, memorable to GILMORE GIRLS fans as Rory's nemesis Paris Geller, will begin a multi-episode arc this February as pregnant psychiatrist Dr. Glass.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Star Nicole Pacent teased this casting on a recent episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV.

UGLY BETTY leaves lasting legacy: Move from LA to NYC led to new CA tax credit
Reports Nikki Finke: "The show will be remembered for more than just a fashion storyline, or a remake of a Colombian telenovela. Instead, UGLY BETTY's 2008 move from LA to Gotham for New York's tax breaks prompted the California state legislature to finally offer $500 million in new tax credits to help stop runaway showbiz production. Even though the first credits aren't applicable until 2011, applications are already flying out the door. That's because the so-called UGLY BETTY law aimed at big movie productions with budgets up to $75 million, new TV series willing to relocate to California, and independent films with budgets up to $10 million. The credit, for up to 25% of production budgets spent in the state, is capped at $100 million a year. This, combined with the Los Angeles City Council's new business tax breaks, could persuade Hollywood to start filming close to home again."

Laura Leighton, Ashley Benson, Nia Peeples series picked up by ABC Family
The Warner Horizon-produced LIARS, which was originally picked up to pilot, is based on Sara Shepard's books. It follows four estranged best friends (Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Shay Mitchell) who are reunited one year after their best friend and queen bee of the group, Alison, goes missing -- only to discover they're receiving messages from an anonymous "A" who knows all their secrets.

Latin Pop Star Joins the Cast of 90210
Mexican pop star Diego Boneta is joining the cast of 90210, TVGuide.com is reporting. Boneta will play Javier, a young musician, in multiple episodes beginning in May. Javier has a fling with Adrianna (Jessica Lowndes), whose story line will become increasingly music-centric when she joins an all-girl band.

For high school students, thanks partly to GLEE, singing in a cappella groups is the new reality
For several years, attempts to form an a cappella group at Pentucket Regional High School in West Newbury fell flat. Then the television show GLEE, about a high school glee club, debuted.

"The kids saw the show last spring and we came back in the fall and suddenly I had all these kids," said Kim O’Keefe, who directs the school’s new, 32-member a cappella group, the Treble Makers. "GLEE is why the group is so big."

NIP/TUCK's Kelly Carlson meets with Congressman
Best known for her role as the sultry but disturbed Kimber Henry on the racy FX show NIP/TUCK Carlson walked into Rep. John Conyers Jr.'s (D-Mich.) office — and found the lawmaker “rocking out to [jazz legend John] Coltrane!” she told ITK at a dinner at Teatro Goldoni on K Street.

Apple's iPad may underwhelm Hollywood
The slim gadget that enables the computing functions of a laptop while also incorporating a full-color e-reader offers little that's unique for Hollywood. When it comes to video programing, the iPad, for now, is just another home for buying and watching TV shows and movies through the iTunes store.

Arianne Zucker returns from materity leave; Wildman back on DAYS too
Arianne Zucker (Nicole) is back from her maternity leave and on set filming this week. Her on-screen mom, Valerie Wildman (Fay) also taped on Monday, Jan. 25. Look for both to first air in March.

INTERVIEW: ATWT's Paolo Seganti on his new book, "The Tin Funnel"
"A lot of fans have already been asking me for months when this book's going to come out [in the States]. I was aiming for Christmas but it's a couple of months later than I was expecting. It's hopefully going to be out by Valentine's Day. It came out last year in September and has won a few awards already."

PREVIEW: GH's Sonny and Dante Face Off

It's the confrontation we’ve been waiting months for over on GENERAL HOSPITAL: Undercover cop Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) infiltrated the Corinthos Mob in Port Charles to take down the boss, Sonny (Maurice Benard), but neither one knew that Dante was actually Sonny’s son. Tomorrow the detective and the mobster go toe to toe and all the truths come to light. The clip below from EW.com shows Sonny after he finds out that Dante is a cop. It’s intercut with scenes from a baptism, playing off the themes of new life and possible death as Sonny shoots Dante.

NEWS: GREEK, Rubinstein, Azar, Garcetti, iPad

GREEK Returns to Soft Ratings
GREEK opened its latest winter run with 1.03 million viewers and a 0.5 in the adults 18-49 demo. While that is up dramatically from the summer/fall finale (.7 million viewers, 0.3 in the demo), the show’s retention from 9PM lead-in MAKE IT OR BREAK IT was a mere 45% in total viewers and 71% in the adults demo.

The show, clearly designed more for the older teen/young adult set than ABC Family's usual fare, also performed poorly in the key teen demographic–it garnered a 0.9 among those 12-17, as compared with a 3.2 for MAKE IT and a 4.1 for 8 p.m. powerhouse THE SECRET LIFE O FTHE AMERICAN TEENAGER. While a portion of that can be attributed to airing at 10 p.m., it is also clear that GREEK simply cannot find compatibility within ABC Family's "sweet spot." Among women 18-34, GREEK pulled a 1.1, behind MAKE IT's 1.4 and SECRET LIFE's 2.4.

Daren Kagasoff: The Secret Life of the American Underwear Model
Hedi Slimane takes THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER's Daren Kagasoff down to his tightie-whities for the new issue of Vman.

Poltergeist actress Zelda Rubinstein dies, aged 76
Zelda Rubinstein, best known for her role as the diminutive psychic in 1982 film Poltergeist, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 76. She appeared in 1984 on the daytime soap SANTA BARBARA.

ATWT director Habib Azar making waves in the industry
Although Azar still shoots three AS THE WORLD TURNS episodes a month, which involves around 40 hours of prep work and a full day of shooting, the 54-year-old show has been canceled as of September, which will leave Azar looking for his next step. He has, he said, a lot of irons in the fire, including a story about an obese woman who becomes possessed by an intestinal parasite.

State of Hollywood address puts focus on job creation, safety
In perhaps his grandest entrance before delivering the annual State of Hollywood address, Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti ran for the podium as the theme from Rocky played in the background. With the problem of runaway production again in the headlines, he said the situation is beginning to turn around — noting that the ABC soap opera ALL MY CHILDREN recently moved its production to Hollywood from New York. Garcetti will appear on AMC on Feb. 16.

Y&R set decorators turns holiday figurine makers
The Kringlekins made their wholesale debut during Seattle Gift Market Week. These holiday Santa’s elves character figures have been around for nearly 20 years, retailing at art and craft festivals. They also won an Emmy Award in 1998 as Best Set Decoration on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. And unlike many other holiday figures, Kringlekins are posable and can be arranged in many different vignettes with their complementary accessories.

Three Ways Apple's iPad Could Impact Digital Content Publishers
iPad has the potential to influence the way that digital content creators do business--just like the iPhone has. 1. Increasing the pool of people willing to pay for digital content. 2. An "either-or" choice in terms of content delivery platforms. 3. Game publishers will think harder about Android.

EASTENDERS wedding is filming today
The cast and crew of EASTENDERS are completing filming on the wedding of Ricky (Sid Owen) and Bianca (Patsy Palmer) today. The St Albans & Harpenden Review reports that the BBC soap is filming in St Peter's Church in the Hertfordshire city of St Albans, about 35km north of central London.

Nelson's Soap Scrapbook #9

Nelson Aspen dug into his scrapbooks for some memorabilia from his early showbiz career in Daytime TV and shares some of his personal photos exclusively with We Love Soaps. All photos are owned by Nelson. For more of his exploits, read "Hollywood Insider Exposed!"

We continue this series with two photos from ANOTHER WORLD.

FLASHBACK: Debbi Morgan 1979

'Roots 2' - New face has the series' biggest role

TV Data Features
February 17, 1979

Debbi Morgan can't stop her enthusiasm for Roots: The Next Generations from bubbling out. Two dimples on either side of her face deepen as she smiles and discusses her role of Elizabeth Harvey, Alex Haley's Aunt Liz.

As Aunt Liz, Debbi ages from 18 to 83. Her's is the miniseries' largest roles; shes in 12 out of the total 14 hours.

She thinks the impact of Roots: The Next Generations will be "just as much or Roots.

"The phyiscal slavery isnt' there," she says, "but the struggle is."

50 Greatest Soap Actresses: #11 Debbi Morgan

NAME: Debbi Morgan
RANK: 11
SOAP ROLES: Angie Baxter Hubbard, ALL MY CHILDREN (1982-1990, 2008-present); Jennifer Tartaro, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (2006-2007); Ellen Burgess, PORT CHARLES (1997-1998); Angie Hubbard, THE CITY (1995-1997); Angie Hubbard, LOVING (1993-1995); Chantal Marshall, GENERATIONS (1990-1991)

AWARDS:
2009 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
2009 Gracie Allen Award win for Outstanding Female Lead - Daytime Drama
2009 Image Award win for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
2002 Image Award win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1998 CFCA Award win for Best Supporting Actress
1998 Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
1998 Golden Satellite Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Drama
1998 Independent Spirit Award win for Best Supporting Female
1996 Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress: Daytime
1989 Daytime Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1986 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Ingenue in a Drama Series
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Young Leading Actress on a Daytime Serial

COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:
Connie Passalacqua Hayman (Marlena De Lacroix): The young girl and the woman -- what an extraordinary actress! We watched her Angie grow up from a teenager. Lorraine Broderick should make her the heart of the new AMC!

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Nicholas Pryor (ex-Victor, PORT CHARLES; ex-Joel, THE EDGE OF NIGHT; ex-Linc, ALL MY CHILDREN, ex-Ted, ANOTHER WORLD; ex-Paul, LOVE IS A MANY SPENDORED THING; ex-Johnny, THE SECRET STORM; THE BRIGHTER DAY) - 75
John Beck (ex-Bruce, PASSIONS; ex-Sam, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Mark, DALLAS; ex-Sam, FLAMINGO ROAD) - 67
Keith Hamilton Cobb (ex-Damon, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Noah, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 48
Terri Colombino (Katie, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 35

HOT STORIES: Tucker McCall Making An Impact

Tucker McCall has taken over Chancellor Industries and is wreaking havoc on YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS' Genoa City. Stephen Nichols took over the role on Wednesday's episode as Tucker continued to play with Katherine, Jill, Neil, Kevin, Cane, etc. He fired them all then laughed and told them it was a joke. There were some underperforming companies that he planned to sell though, starting with Jabo.

Catch up on this hot story below.

INDIE SOAP BEAT: January 27, 2010

In this week's "Indie Soap Beat" feature, we take a look at the latest happenings from around the world of independent soap opera production. Click the show logos to visit the official websites.

The 1st Annual Indie Soap Awards telecast will be broadcast on Monday, February 1, at 9 p.m. ET on the Indie Soap Awards website, at We Love Soaps, Outviews, Daytime Confidential and several other websites.

The show will feature an original performance by comedian/musician Joanna Parson and appearance by several of your indie soap favorites.

For a complete list of nominees, visit indiesoapawards.com.

Voting for the Fan's Choice Award is still ongoing until Jan. 31. You can vote here.

The seventh episode of indie comedy series ALL'S FAIRE featured a guest appearance from former GUIDING LIGHT star Robert Bogue (ex-Mallet). The story takes place at the Southeastern Delaware Renaissance Faire. You can watch Bogue's first episode here. He shows up at the end to save the Faire.

THE LIKE US SHOW is a new radio soap opera set to air around the country beginning Feb. 1. Set on the campus of the fictional Atlanta University, LIKE US tells the dramatic story of the lives of the students of this Historical Black University. After being abandoned by her drug addicted parents, Kori was left feeling bitter and on a hunt for love. Her mother, Antionette Bell, recently recovered from several years of drug abuse and is now living with her two daughters Kori and Shannon. Shannon, whose nickname is "The Golden Child", feels her sister is on the same road to destruction their mother once traveled down. Deeply in love with Robert, its only a matter of time before Shannon discovers his selfish habits that will soon be unveiled and threaten their relationship.

Two stars from ANYONE BUT ME will be presenters at the Indie Soap Awards (tune in to find out!). If you missed the We Love Soaps interviews with Rachael Hip-Flores (Vivian) and Nicole Pacent (Astor), you can watch them here. Episode four of season two will air sometime in February.

The next new episode of VENICE will air on Friday on the show's website for subscribers. Creators Crystal Chappell and Kim Turrisi participated in the NOH8 campaign last week. Turrisi has been confirmed as a presenter for the Indie Soap Awards. VENICE music artists Jen Foster (who seems the show's theme song) and Vanida Gail performed at The Bitter End in New York City on Wednesday night.

SECRETS returned last week with five all new episodes. The show, which is shot in South Jersey and various locations in Philadelphia, had previously aired five episodes in early 2009. We Love Soaps asked creator and star Damian Tracy about the show's return.

We Love Soaps: Why did you decide to release five episodes at once? It's an interesting approach that most of the indie soaps are not follow.
Damian Tracy: When we released the first five episodes last year, I launched them weekly. Frankly, following the number of Youtube hits, I noticed viewership trailed off with each episode. I think people just forgot to come back each week and tune in. I thought for the second season, I'd try releasing them all at once and see how that changed the numbers... and sure enough, the numbers are much closer. The episodes are short enough that you can watch five in one sitting during your lunch hour.

CLASSIC CLIPS: Jane Elliot

Jane Elliot came in at #12 on the 50 Greatest Soap Actresses of All Time list. Here are some classic clips of Elliot including her work on GUIDING LIGHT, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, THE CITY and GENERAL HOSPITAL.

1978: Monica warns Tracy to behave at the Quartermaine dinner party.
1979: Tracy and Alan argue.

1980: Elliot apeared on THE MERV GRIFFIN SHOW.
1982: Carrie has a session with Sara.

1984: Ellen gives Cynthia a piece of wedding cake (in the face).

1988: Anjelica confronts Harper.
1989: Tracy returns to Port Charles.

1992: Tracy gives birth to Dillon.
1993: Tracy is exiled from Port Charles.

1996: A promo for Tracy Quartermaine on THE CITY.
2003: Tracy and Dillio fight about Georgia.

2004: The Quartermaines learns what Tracy has been doing with ELQ.
2007: The Quartermaines deal with Lila's death.